Zlatan Ibrahimovic has apologised to Manchester United fans and said that they'd have seen "a different lion" if he'd got to the club sooner.

The Swede joined United on a free transfer two years ago, but by then he was 34 and had already passed through the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG.

He scored 28 goals in 46 appearances for United, before a serious knee injury sustained in a Europa League quarter-final tie against Anderlecht prematurely ended his season.

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 appearances in his first United season (Image: PA)

Injury cut short his time at United (Image: REUTERS)

He did return at the start of last season, but could only muster seven appearances.

"I feel sorry for the fans - if they'd seen me younger, they'd have seen a different lion," he told the United website .

"For the Premier League, it would have been dangerous, as I would have eaten them for breakfast; instead, I took them for lunch. But I came: they wanted me, I gave them me and I took over. Been there and done that.

"I would need more time to explain my feelings but let's start with a big thanks to everybody - what they did was amazing and I hope they are as happy as I am."

Ibrahimovic thanked the United fans (Image: AFP)

His new career at LA Galaxy has started well (Image: Getty Images North America)

Ibrahimovic left United for LA Galaxy in March, and has so far scored 12 goals in 15 appearances for his new club.

He thanked United fans for how they treated him during his spell at the club.

"I gave as much as I could for as long as I could; when I got injured, I got support in a different way. They always stood behind me and my team-mates.

"They are special: everywhere I see red, I think about United. It will remain in history and my career; when I look back at my time with United, I will do it with a smile. I wish them all the best in the future."